To create a minor chord, simply lower the middle note one semitone or half step – this means moving it from white key down into its next lowest black key, or vice versa.
Example of C Minor chord: Root note, minor third and perfect fifth
Triads
Triads are an integral building block of chords. Composed of three notes arranged as close or open triads, close triads contain the first, third, and fifth notes from their major scale name; open triads have the same notes but with one lower note added by lowering by one third for sus2 or sus4 chords.
Learning triads requires an understanding of intervals. Any note in any scale can act as the starting point of a triad, then adding four semitones above (a semitone is defined as the minimum distance between keys) to form its root note – four semitones above it yields its third position and three above for its fifth.
Just by adding notes from a minor scale to this basic structure, a minor triad is created. You can play them in any key, and add embellishments for unique sounds – for instance a minor chord can also be played as sus2 or sus4 chords that consist of an augmented second and flattened fourth (such as A-C-E). Such chords create more dramatic sounds.
Scales
Though many dislike practicing scales, they are essential in understanding chords. Scales serve as a roadmap that displays key pathways in each key and how changing one note alters the sound of an entire chord.
Basic chords consist of the root, third, and fifth notes. To change that chord into a minor one, simply lower its middle tone by half step.
To create more complex chords, add tones to the root note by way of suspensions; these added tones are called suspensions and marked by numbers after the chord symbol; for instance C sus 2 indicates playing the second tone above (C, E and G) the root tone (C E G).
One way of building more complex chords is using major or minor scales, though this approach may be more challenging. You’ll still be able to use them effectively for songs by practicing this technique over time and mastering it more completely. The more often this approach is utilized, the easier it will become for use with songs.
Symbols
When reading chord symbols, it is crucial to understand all types of accidentals. These accidentals can alter the pitch of notes or rearrange them into different chords; in addition, they also indicate whether notes are tied together or slurred together.
Tied notes can be identified by a curved line connecting the heads of two notes with identical pitches and duration, and should be played continuously with no breaks between each note. Slurred notes signal performers to keep fingers apart.
Chords are an integral component of music, so becoming familiar with major and minor triads is important. A great way to do so is through practicing the 4-3 chord formula on piano; once mastered, this will enable you to move onto other chords easily!
Progressions
Chord progressions are an integral component of piano music, and can make or break an entire song. Therefore, it is wise to learn some different chord progressions so that you can start writing your own songs!
Minor chords differ from major chords in that their third note has been reduced by one half-step or semi-tone, creating a unique sound signature to distinguish minor from major chords.
Building a minor chord follows the same method as creating a triad, though you will add a lowercase “m” (or sometimes minus sign) after its name to indicate its minor status.
Variations on these chords exist as well; for instance, C maj 7 involves layering a major seventh chord over a minor one. Another variation is suspension chord, which involves replacing one tone of a chord with either an elevated or lowered tone.